Boise State vs. Georgia: Previewing the Week 1 Matchup

It’s almost here.

The 2011 college football seasons kicks off in a few days, and the Georgia Bulldogs are looking to get the 2010 season behind them.

Georgia finished the year at 6-7, which was the first time since 1996 the Bulldogs finished with a losing record.

But this year, Georgia is expected to do some big things. With the return of quarterback Aaron Murray and with approximately 15 incoming freshmen expected to contribute, the Bulldogs are a dark-horse to win the SEC title.

But first they have to face a Boise State team that has more than a Mountain West Championship on its mind.

The Broncos come into this season as a team that could win the national title. In fact, they would have had an outside shot to win the title last year had it not been for a heartbreaking loss to Nevada late in the season.

With Heisman Trophy hopeful Kellen Moore returning to lead the Broncos, this team is going to be dangerous yet again.

Here’s a closer look at the game, as well as how both teams match up with one another.

Series History

The Bulldogs and the Broncos only met one time in history, and that was back in 2005 when Boise traveled to Athens to open the season.

The Bulldogs, who were coming off a 10-2 season, looked like a team ready for another SEC title run as they destroyed the Broncos 48-13.

Bulldogs QB D.J. Shockley accounted for all their touchdowns, as he threw for five and ran for one.

As for Boise, they were coming off an 11-1 season and could not match Georgia’s intensity. Quarterback Jared Zabransky threw four picks, and their leading rusher, Ian Johnson, only ran for 48 yards on six carries.

Boise on Offense

For the Broncos, it starts and ends with Kellen Moore, who is looking to have another strong season. Last year, Moore threw for 3,845 yards with 35 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He was named to the FWAA All-American team and was a finalist for the Heisman.

But the strength of this team could be the running game, as Doug Martin and D.J. Harper return to help balance the Broncos' attack. Martin rushed for more than 1,200 yards last season, and Harper averaged 6.3 yards per carry.

Boise does lose receivers Titus Young and Austin Pettis, but I think Tyler Shoemaker is due to have a breakout year.

The offensive line will be strong with three starters returning to the helm. The unit is led by All-Conference performers Nate Potter and Thomas Byrd.

Boise on Defense

The Broncos' defensive line is one of the best units in all of college football. Tackle Billy Wynn is disruptive on the inside, while end Tyrone Crawford can frustrate opposing offensive linemen with his speed.

But let’s not forget about Shea McClellin and Chase Baker. McClellin was used as an outside linebacker last year, and came up with one interception and two touchdowns. Baker is another tackle who can pressure the quarterback.

The back seven will also be strong under the leadership of linebacker J.C. Percy and strong safety George Illoka. Percy led the team in tackles with 65, while Iloka was right behind him with 63.

Bulldogs on Offense

Like the Broncos' offense starts and ends with Moore, the same can be said about quarterback Aaron Murray. The Bulldogs were 6-7 last season, but it was not because of Murray, who was named to the Freshman All-American team last year.

Murray threw for more than 3,000 yards last year with 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Now that Murray is in his second year, he is expected to have better numbers, which should lead to more wins.

The running game will be led by freshmen Isaiah Crowell and former linebacker Richard Samuel. Crowell was a huge star in high school and is expected to have the same success at the college level. Samuel should help Crowell become the starter he needs to be because Samuel has been a running back at the SEC level.

Tavarres King looks to replace A.J. Green. King, who caught three touchdowns last year, looks to have a breakout season. But the Broncos will have to watch for Orson Charles, who is one of the best tight ends in the country. Charles is not only good at catching the ball; he can also block with the best of them.

Bulldogs on Defense

Georgia moved to a 3-4 last year and went through some growing pains, but this year should be a better season for the Bulldogs. They won’t have the problems they had last year, such as knowing where to line up and missing assignments.

Players to watch for when the Bulldogs go up against Boise State are linebacker Alec Ogletree, nose tackle John Jenkins and corner Brandon Boykin.

Olgetree had a good season at safety last year and is looking to do some big things at linebacker.

Jenkins is a transfer student, and coaches are hoping he can disrupt the offensive line that, in turn, would disrupt the timing of Moore and the Broncos' offense.

Boykin is the team’s best cover corner and will go up against Shoemaker, which could be the key matchup of the entire game.

Bottom Line

Both teams have talent on both sides of the ball.

Boise is eclectic on offense and strong on defense.

As for Georgia, they have playmakers such as Murray, Charles and Boykin, who can change the game at any given point.

Both teams would love to win this game to get the season on the right foot, but both teams know they will be in a fight from start to finish.

Boise is favored by three, but they are playing in Georgia’s backyard, despite not playing at Sanford stadium. Georgia head coach Mark Richt and Boise State head coach Chris Petersen have done a great job getting their teams ready for battle Saturday.

And, because of that, it should be a game everyone will be talking about on Sunday.